Shunburn

Sunbeds, fake tan, and aftersun

Faking it

It’s all very well to crave that sexy sun-kissed glow. But it’s definitely not worth using a sunbed to get it. Just one session a month can increase your risk of skin cancer by more than half, and the intensity of some sunbeds’ UV rays can be 10 to 15 times higher than that of the midday sun.

The best solution? Fake it! Superdrug is full of fantastic fake tans that give great colour without the grave health risks. What they don’t offer is sun protection, so keep your five steps for sun safety in mind when you use them.

Aftersun

It’s the damage done to skin in early life that can lead to skin cancer later on, so try and avoid getting burnt at all. As if the long-term health risks weren’t enough, the immediate pain can ruin your holiday, not to mention your latest fashion-forward outfit. A slinky top teamed with bright red bikini marks is not a good look. And who hasn’t winced at the sight of a Brit abroad with shoulders so burnt that they’re actually glowing? Attractive? We don’t think so.

If you don’t manage to entirely shun the burn, drink plenty of water to keep hydrated and use aftersun lotion on affected areas. If your burns are severe, seek advice from your pharmacist or GP.